**Unions See Shift in Government Stance on Hourly Paid Workers**
Trade unions in Cyprus have noted a change in the government's approach regarding pay increases for hourly paid state workers. This development follows a meeting with Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, where unions expressed cautious optimism about potential wage improvements, although they described the current proposal as inadequate.
Giorgos Constantinou, the general secretary of the Sek union Oekdy, conveyed to the Cyprus News Agency that the government now seems inclined to consider wage increases for hourly workers. "There is an intention to give increases, but we have not agreed on anything at present," he stated. Constantinou highlighted an upcoming meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides scheduled for Monday, where unions hope to finalize an agreement that would enhance wages for these workers. "The dialogue remains open until Monday, and we hope there will be a conclusion on that day," he added.
Stavros Andreou, general secretary of the Peo union Pasyek, echoed Constantinou's sentiments, noting a shift in the government's recognition of the need to improve wages for hourly paid workers. "The basic need to improve wages, which until now had not been recognised, is being acknowledged," he remarked.
During the meeting with Keravnos, the government presented its initial proposal aimed at improving both the wages of current employees and the starting salaries for new hires. While Andreou acknowledged the significance of this recognition, he emphasized that the proposal does not meet the unions' expectations. He stated that unions are advocating for general wage increases of 8 percent over the next three years. "What is being offered is very far from what we are asking for. It does not even approach 50 percent," he noted.
The specifics of the government's proposal were not disclosed, but Andreou pointed out that the timing of the proposed increases varies, which adds to the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations. Despite the shortcomings of the proposal, he characterized the government's acknowledgment of the need for wage improvements as a positive step forward. "The proposal presented on Friday is not one with which we can reach an agreement," he said. However, he expressed hope that the discussions with President Christodoulides could lead to a more satisfactory outcome.
Andreou emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement that would initiate meaningful wage improvements for hourly-paid government staff. "We want an agreement that will mark the beginning of improving wages for hourly-paid government staff and make them fair, adequate, and decent," he asserted. He urged the government to reconsider its proposal and revise it upward to better meet the needs of workers.
The unions, including Oekdy-Sek, Pasyek-Peo, and Deok, are scheduled to meet with President Christodoulides at 11 am on Monday, September 28. As the negotiations progress, both unions and the government appear to be at a critical juncture, with the potential for significant changes in the compensation of hourly paid state workers on the horizon.